Lately holiday gatherings that can feel like emotional minefields have been weighing heavy with a lot of my clients. Listen, I get it - there's Aunt Martha asking why you're not wearing a wig, your well-meaning mom hovering over every bite you take, and maybe those relatives who just can't stop giving their "expert" medical advice. We need to talk about this! Not just the surface stuff, but really dive into what's happening in our brains during these moments and why we react the way we do. In this episode, I'm sharing everything I've learned about taking back your power during these moments - from the incredible research of Dr. Tara Swart about how we're influenced by the five people closest to us (hello, holiday family tree!), to the practical tools I've developed through my own cancer journey. We're going to talk about real situations, real emotions, and real solutions that work, even when you're feeling overwhelmed. You've got more power than you realize, and I'm going to show you exactly how to tap into it, especially during those challenging family moments. Remember, you get to choose how you want to show up, no matter what anyone else brings to the table. So grab your favorite cozy drink, find a quiet spot, and let's dig into this together. Trust me, by the end of this episode, you'll have a whole new perspective on those holiday gatherings - and more importantly, on your own power to handle them.   What You'll Learn <ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">How your brain's amygdala influences emotional reactions during family gatherings</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">The science behind why certain family members trigger stress responses</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Understanding and applying Dr. Tara Swart's People Tree concept</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Practical techniques for maintaining emotional boundaries during holidays</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">How to integrate Laura Lummer's "Regroup" principle into family situations</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Science-based strategies for managing holiday stress as a cancer survivor</li> </ul>   Key Topics Covered 🧠 The Neuroscience of Family Triggers <ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Understanding the amygdala's role in emotional reactions</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Why we react before thinking (the 1/50th second response)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">How past experiences shape current reactions</li> </ul> 🌳 Your Holiday People Tree <ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Identifying your everyday vs. holiday influencers</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Creating conscious choices about social influences</li> </ul> Resources Mentioned <ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l6 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Dr. Tara Swart's Book – <a href= "https://amzn.to/4flijte">The Source</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "color: #340afc; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"> Laura Lummer's <a href= "https://www.thebreastcancerrecoverycoach.com/pillars">Four Pillars of Breast Cancer Recovery</a></li> </ul> Quotes from the Episode "Your amygdala works fast, but your prefrontal cortex can work smarter." "Recovery isn't just about physical healing - it's about reclaiming your emotional power."   Related Episodes <ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "color: #340afc; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"> <a href= "https://www.thebreastcancerrecoverycoach.com/383"> Episode #383 Stop Gaslighting Yourself to Start Creating a Life You Love After Breast Cancer</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "color: #340afc; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"> <a href= "https://www.thebreastcancerrecoverycoach.com/337"> Episode #337 Breast Cancer, Stressors and Stress - How to Support Yourself When Life is Stressful</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "color: #340afc; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"> <a href= "https://www.thebreastcancerrecoverycoach.com/315"> Episode #315 Could Breast Cancer Be The School Of Unlearning?</a></li> </ul>   Connect With Laura Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/thebreastcancerrecoverycoach/">@thebreastcancerrecoverycoach</a> Facebook Group: <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/groups/2946448618717403">The Breast Cancer Recovery Group</a> Website: <a href= "https://www.thebreastcancerrecoverycoach.com/">www.thebreastcancerrecoverycoach.com</a>   Download my Free Resources <ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "color: #340afc; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"> <a href= "https://www.thebreastcancerrecoverycoach.com/mindbody"> Mind, Body, Breast Cancer Meditation Experience</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "color: #340afc; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"> <a href= "https://www.thebreastcancerrecoverycoach.com/love">Self-love Journal</a></li> </ul>   Keywords #BreastCancerSurvivor #HolidayStress #CancerRecovery #EmotionalHealth #FamilyDynamics #Boundaries #Healing #Neuroscience #PeopleTree #SurvivorStrength #CancerSupport #HolidayCoping #EmotionalWellness #CancerCare #SurvivorWellness Note: This episode is part of our ongoing series supporting breast cancer survivors through all stages of recovery. While we discuss medical concepts, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

#391 Holiday Boundaries for Breast Cancer Survivors - The Science of Emotional Power

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Laura is a two time breast cancer survivor currently living with and healing from Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer.

She's a Certified Life, Health, Nutrition Coach, and Wellness professional.

She supports women in dropping their warrior shield after a diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer so they can release the pressure to go back to normal and create a life that's even better than before breast cancer.

This show gives you tools you can apply to your life today, to support your body and your mind as you manage a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach

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Laura Lummer

Laura Lummer

#391 Holiday Boundaries for Breast Cancer Survivors - The Science of Emotional Power

#391 Holiday Boundaries for Breast Cancer Survivors - The Science of Emotional Power

#391 Holiday Boundaries for Breast Cancer Survivors - The Science of Emotional Power

Friday 20th December 2024

About this podcast

The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach